How to Install a Bathroom Ceiling Light Heater Fan

Switches allow you to select a single function or a combination of functions.

Combination light, heater and exhaust fan fixtures are practical in smaller bathrooms and powder rooms that don't have heating vents. Light-heater-fans install in the ceiling at the location of the existing fan, and operate using switches on the wall. An electrician deactivates the electrical circuit before you start the job. After the fixture in installed, the electrician pulls additional wires, installs the new switches and activates the circuit. In most cases, a do-it-yourself homeowner can install a ceiling light-heater-fan in about an hour.

Removing the Existing Fan

1

Position a stepladder below the access panel to the attic, and remove the panel. Alternatively, pull down the attic stairs. Set a cordless drill that's fitted with a screw-tip attachment in the attic.

2

Loosen the screw at the clamp that secures the vent tube at the existing fan housing. Pull the end of the tube off the flange on the fan, and set the tube nearby. Loosen and remove the screws where the mounting arms for the housing attach at the ceiling framing.

3

Position the stepladder at the area of the existing fan. Work from the ladder and pull down the trim cover for the fan by hand. Detach the spring clips at each side of the fan housing, and remove the cover. Push the fan housing straight up and position it, as necessary, to remove it through the cutout at the ceiling.

Installing the Light-Heater-Fan Fixture

1

Position the upper side, or top, of the housing against the ceiling where the old fan was removed. Align two adjacent sides with adjacent sides of the existing cutout at the ceiling. Mark the outline of the housing on the ceiling, and set the housing aside.

2

Put on safety glasses and a dust mask. Cut the lines of the outline with a drywall saw and remove the cutout pieces.

3

Push in the mounting arms at one side of the housing. Insert the extended ends of the opposite mounting arms into the cutout and push the housing into place. The extended arms support the housing temporarily in the ceiling. Move to the attic.

4

Extend or push in the arms on both sides of the housing, as necessary, to fit the ends of the mounts at the ceiling framing where the old mounts were removed. Attach the mounts at the framing with 1 1/2-inch wood screws at each of the machined holes at the ends of the mounts.

5

Fit the end of the vent tube onto the flange at the housing, and tighten the clamp. Return to the bathroom.

6

Note the position of the lower edges of the housing in relation to the ceiling. If necessary, loosen the adjustment screws inside the housing at each side, and raise or lower the housing so the lower edges are even with the ceiling at all sides of the cutout. Tighten the screws.

7

Position the fan below the housing. Plug the two-slot connector on the fan wires into the pair of recessed prongs at the upper side of the housing. Fit the fan assembly into the housing and align the holes at the outer edges with the corresponding holes in the housing. Install the fan assembly using one of the provides screws at each hole.

8

Position the light-heater assembly below the housing. Notice that the connector at the ends of the wires has two or three slots, and it is configured to attach one way at the recessed prongs in the housing. Push the connector into place at the prongs.

9

Fit the light-heater assembly into the housing. Attach it to the housing with one of the provided screws at each of the machine holes. Install a light bulb into the light socket on the assembly. For a heat-lamp unit, install one or more heat lamps into the appropriate sockets at the outer portion of the fixture.

10

Position the trim cover below the fixture. If heat lamps are installed, align the openings in the cover with the lamps. Compress the upper ends of the spring clips at one side of the trim cover by hand. Fit the ends into the slot at the inside of the housing at one side, and release the clips. Repeat this, and attach the clips at the opposite side of the cover. Push the cover up, and fit the rim against the ceiling.

Things You Will Need

Stepladder or pull-down stairs

Cordless drill with screw-tip attachment

Safety glasses

Dust mask

Drywall saw

Tip

Ceiling-light-fans vary with the manufacturer. Always read the installation instructions and become familiar with the procedures before installing the fixture.

Warning

Do not do attempt any electrical work without the assistance of a qualified electrician.

About the Author

William Machin began work in construction at the age of 15, while still in high school. In 35 years, he's gained expertise in all phases of residential construction, retrofit and remodeling. His hobbies include horses, motorcycles, road racing and sport fishing. He studied architecture at Taft Junior College.